President Mohamed Muizzu has highlighted the importance of strengthening food security through increased local production, innovation and sustainable management of natural resources in a message marking World Food Day.
In a post shared on World Food Day, Muizzu said the theme for this year, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow,” highlights how present-day decisions and investments will shape food security for future generations.
He said the Maldives, as an island nation, must strengthen its food systems to improve national resilience and economic sustainability, stressing the need to adopt new technologies, support farmers and fishers, and expand domestic food production.
Muizzu also outlined government initiatives to support the fisheries sector, including ensuring payments to fishers within 48 hours, expanding fish storage and processing infrastructure, and introducing measures to strengthen the industry.
On agriculture, he highlighted development projects initiated on various islands through public-private partnerships, alongside efforts to encourage communities to make better use of available land to increase local production, improve access to fresh fruits and create more opportunities for farmers.
The President said the government is also working to strengthen local food supply chains, improve market access for farmers and fishers, and encourage greater investment in agriculture.
He added that combining innovation with the experience and knowledge of local producers could increase productivity, reduce dependence on imported food and make the country’s food supply more resilient and sustainable.
Muizzu stressed that food security is a shared responsibility, calling for collective efforts to strengthen local food systems and ensure all Maldivians have access to nutritious and affordable food.
